Mayo's seven family resource centres are providing an invaluable service across a wide range of activities, according to Mayo TD Beverley Flynn.
Speaking following the Family Resource Centre national forum held in Dublin this month at which services delivered during 2009 were reviewed, Deputy Flynn said that the Mayo centres, with 40 employees and 280 volunteers, had provided services to more than 12,000 people during the course of 2009.
“The amount of work recorded by the family resource centres is remarkable both in its scope and volume. From counselling and support to education and training, these centres are the first point of contact for people who need friendly, competent, and accessible advice and help on issues of concern to them,” she said.
In 2009 some 1,000 participants took part in educational courses provided by the family resource centres, 10,000 who called to the centres were provided with information on various topics, and nearly 1,000 people received counselling support.
The figures are an endorsement of the valuable services provided by family resource centres and justify the decision in last year's Budget to retain the centres, concluded Deputy Flynn.
The seven Mayo family resource centres are located in Ballina, Ballinrobe, Castlebar, Claremorris, Kilmovee, Ballyhaunis and Westport.
